Bad car day

[disneysteve]

We took the van for inspection today. I was afraid it might fail for emissions because the last time it was in for service, they found some rust along the exhaust pipe but said we could hold off on replacing it if it got through inspection. Sure enough it failed, so we've got until the end of October to replace the exhaust system and get it re-inspected. That's going to cost well over $1,000.

Then we were out shopping and when we got out, DW noticed that the back window was open. When she looked closer, she realized it was actually broken. Not the glass, but the latch holding it in place was no longer connected so the window could just flap open. We took it over to the shop and they didn't have the part so they ordered it. Might have it tomorrow. If not, Monday. Not expensive at all. Just a pain.

[kork13]

I live in constant fear of car issues.... My car's still under warranty so private garages won't touch it, but Honda refuses to accept when there are problems... Perfect example--this summer I had to drive my car from Oregon to Florida. By the time I got to Las Vegas, my car said it was time for an oil change and tire rotation. Okay, fine, I knew that was coming. I got there and they tell me my car has no tread whatsoever, and one tire is showing wires. Note that it was 1 year old (from brand spankin' new) with 22k miles (i did alot of long-distance during that first year...). So because it's a sporty-ish car and I'm 22yo, I'm immediately told that I must be constantly peeling out and racing with my car--there's no other explanation for such quick treadwear. I laugh at them and tell them something else must be wrong, because I've only ever peeled out all of once. They refuse to stop accusing me, and I end up shelling out $600 (after insisting on a different tire than they wanted to give me and weedling a 10% discount out of them). In the meantime (which amounted to 7 hours while they put my tires on and did an alignment) Needless to say, I wasn't too happy with their service...

So I stop through Vegas and without getting to pull a single slot, I blow $600.... man, that's an expensive oil change....

[maat55]

WHAT, a grand for an exhaust? Are you having to replace the pump also? Pipes, converter and muffler should not come near to 1k. If a muffler shop told you this, go somewhere else.

[disneysteve]

WHAT, a grand for an exhaust? Are you having to replace the pump also? Pipes, converter and muffler should not come near to 1k. If a muffler shop told you this, go somewhere else.

I haven't actually gotten quotes yet, but it isn't just the exhaust pipe from the muffler. It is the entire exhaust from the engine out, I think. I'm not even addressing it this week as we're really tied up with the Bat Mitzvah planning, so it's going to wait for now anyway.

[m3racer]

Cats and exhaust can definitely cost close to $1K.

[kork13]

Cats and exhaust can definitely cost close to $1K.

Says the guy who's name is m3RACER.... Have you gotten yourself a nice cat-back yet? Always a fulfilling investment for a fun car.

[tripods68]

I've spend many years modifying my RSX Type S before I got married. A full cat back exhaust can reach up to $1K.

Kork,

Your alignment was way off even when you first bought it. Most Honda are front wheel drive, perhaps the prior owner may have caused it to wear and tear pretty quickly you just didn't know it.

[kork13]

Kork,

Your alignment was way off even when you first bought it. Most Honda are front wheel drive, perhaps the prior owner may have caused it to wear and tear pretty quickly you just didn't know it.

I was prior owner. It came off the truck from the factory the day before I bought it with 11 miles on it. But you're right--they did the alignment and said "your alignment was way off".... and continued to accuse me of abusing my car.

So, I've simply abandoned all hope for getting adequate help from a dealer, and can't wait until the warranty's gone so that I can find a private mechanic I can trust. -- this is strange to me as well, that they won't do anything while it's under warranty... I had 2 wrenches (one a family friend) refuse to do work on it because of the warranty...


btw, tripod.... I wish they still made the RSX, it's a great car.... That's actually what I wanted, but couldn't find one when I was looking to buy.... So i've got it's cousin, Honda's Si.

[tripods68]

btw, tripod.... I wish they still made the RSX, it's a great car.... That's actually what I wanted, but couldn't find one when I was looking to buy.... So i've got it's cousin, Honda's Si.

If the dealers won't honor the warranty cause by "owner's neglect" you can have any private shops to work on it since it won't it matter. If your alignment is not fix, putting new tires won't fix it either and will further accelerate "wear and tear" by 50%.

Yeah...I love my RSX, I almost cried when I had to part way in place for family car.

[sakigt]

Performance exhausts for luxury cars can cost $1,000 ...not a normal exhaust system for a normal car.

[bjl584]

I changed an exhaust on one of my cars a few years ago and it only cost a couple of hundred dollars. That was for the cat convertor, the intermitent pipe, and the muffler. Changing an exhaust if rather easy. All that holds it on is a few clamps and some hangers. Even with a limited amount of mechanical know-how, you should be able to do this yourself in your driveway with a few basic handtools and a set of car ramps. I certainly wouldn't pay 1000 dollars to have it done.

[boosami]

Do you have to replace the entire exhaust system including the catalytic converter? If you just have to replace the exhaust pipe (or entire cat back exhast) the parts could run as low as a couple hundred dollars. And like BJ said, installation is not difficult if you can get under your car to do it.

If it's a common van model, you could even get used parts on the cheap from a pull-a-part shop that might be in decent condition for even less.